Artemisinin Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
Artemisinin is a compound derived from sweet wormwood, used for its antimalarial and immune-supporting properties.
Artemisinin is a natural compound extracted from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It is best known for its potent antimalarial properties.
It works by producing free radicals that attack malaria parasites in the bloodstream. Research also explores its potential in supporting immune health and fighting inflammation.
Artemisinin is primarily used for malaria treatment and is under study for various other applications. It should be used cautiously and under supervision due to possible interactions and limited safety data for long-term use.
Other names & forms of Artemisinin supplement : sweet wormwood, artemisia annua, qinghao extract
Benefits
Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua, known for its potent antimalarial activity and ability to modulate immune responses.
- Supports Immunity by enhancing the body's ability to fight infections and reducing inflammatory cytokine production.
- May aid Liver Support by promoting detoxification enzymes and protecting hepatocytes from oxidative damage.
- Contributes to General Health by providing antioxidant protection and supporting overall cellular resilience.
Dosage
Recommended intake for Artemisinin supplement depends on various factors including age, condition, and lifestyle:
- Antiparasitic and antimalarial support: 100–200 mg/day of Artemisinin (from Artemisia annua) for short cycles.
- Typical protocol: 100 mg twice daily for 7 days, then pause or rotate.
- Whole plant extract: May vary; adjust based on artemisinin content.
- Recommendation: Avoid long-term use; consult a practitioner for high-dose or off-label regimens.
Side Effects
Artemisinin from sweet wormwood can support immune and parasite protocols, but you may experience mild effects as it acts on cells. Watch for:
- Mild gastrointestinal upset—nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps—especially with high doses
- Possible headache or dizziness shortly after ingestion
- Occasional transient sleep disturbances—insomnia or vivid dreams—when taken late in the day
- Rare allergic reactions—rash or itching—in those sensitive to Asteraceae family plants
- Temporary mild weakness or fatigue during detoxification phases
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Antimalarial and anticancer drugs: Artemisinin may reduce efficacy of chloroquine or chemotherapy agents; use under close medical supervision.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies: Artemisinin’s mild platelet inhibition can add to warfarin or Garlic, increasing bleeding risk—monitor INR.
- CYP450 substrates: It can induce CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, lowering blood levels of medications like statins or CoQ10; consider dose adjustments.
- Antidiabetic medications: Potential modest glucose‐lowering effect; if used alongside insulin or Cinnamon, monitor blood sugar.
Precautions
Before starting Artemisinin, ensure you’re not in any of these higher-risk categories. If you are, consult your healthcare provider:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Animal studies show potential risks; avoid unless prescribed by a specialist
- Individuals with liver or kidney impairment: Metabolism may be altered; monitor organ function if used long term
- Those on antimalarial or immunosuppressive medications: Possible drug interactions; use only under medical supervision
- People with blood disorders: May affect blood cell counts; monitor CBC if used chronically
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue at least two weeks prior—potential interactions with anesthesia and immune response
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Artemisinin benefits:
A 2020 WHO‐sponsored meta‐analysis of 20 RCTs found artemisinin‐based combination therapies (e.g., artesunate-amodiaquine) achieve ≥95% cure rates in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria versus <60% with monotherapies.
A 2006 double‐blind RCT in children showed intravenous artesunate reduced severe malaria mortality by 22% versus quinine (P = 0.01) and improved parasite clearance times.
A 2018 randomized trial comparing dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to artemether-lumefantrine reported equivalent efficacy (~98% cure) and safety in multidrug‐resistant malaria regions.
Despite potent antimalarial efficacy, no RCTs have evaluated oral artemisinin or artesunate for non-malarial indications such as anticancer or antiviral therapy in humans.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about Artemisinin supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.